Associate, Sustainable Solutions Group Apac

ING Wholesale Banking in Singapore

We began operating in Singapore in 1987 where we host the regional Asia Pacific headquarters. With over 300 financial experts, we are the largest wholesale banking branch in Asia. ING stands out in the Asia Pacific region because we go a step further for our customers. We look at things from the client’s perspective which allows us to construct tailor-made solutions to fit the needs of every company we serve. This mentality underpins all our client relations and has produced various prestigious awards.

Job Profile Summary

Sustainable Business is the future. A growing number of major companies around the world are adopting net-zero business strategies to reduce risk and ensure their long-term profitability. As a result, new sectors are emerging and business models are being developed that require innovative financial solutions.

Companies are looking for banks which will finance their transitions towards net-zero and more sustainable business models. This provides ING with solid business opportunities, which are both profitable as well as a contribution to a sustainable global economy.

ING recognises the importance of sustainability, which is a core pillar of its overall global strategy. ING has received high rankings in sustainability indices and is considered a leader for its integrated approach towards sustainability in the Wholesale Bank.

The Sustainable Solutions Group is growing as a strategic team, and provides sustainable financing solutions to clients globally and through its regional hubs in Amsterdam, Singapore, Sydney, Seoul, Hong Kong, London, Frankfurt, Brussels, Madrid, Paris and New York. To enhance coverage of our core clients in Singapore and the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, we are building out our Sustainable Solutions Group presence to enhance our sustainable finance offering to our clients and amplify our visibility and presence in the market.

Job Responsibilities:
We are seeking to recruit an Associate, with established sustainable finance expertise, a proven track-record in advising companies on their sustainability journeys and a solid understanding of corporate and investment banking products. Based in Singapore, you are expected to take on client and transaction work for the wider APAC region, across the sectors that ING is active in and other strategic initiatives related to sustainability and sustainable finance.

Your key responsibilities include:
Transaction work
- Competently work on origination, structuring and execution in relation to sustainable finance products (i.e. green, social, sustainability, sustainability-linked loans and bonds and other sustainable finance products) and to bring deals to a successful close.

Research
- To stay on top of new sustainability and sustainable finance standards and best market practices to capture new opportunities and manage risks.
- Conduct research and keep abreast of industry updates on sustainability topics, such as climate risk, environmental and social corporate practices, and biodiversity.

Other responsibilities include:
Profiling
- Support the team’s efforts to enhance external and internal profiling to maintain and enhance ING's leadership in sustainability and sustainable finance in Singapore and APAC.
- Work with and develop partnerships with various external stakeholders (e.g. Second Party Opinion providers, ESG rating agencies, regulators, external working groups and industry associations).

Embedment
- Support the team’s efforts to further embed sustainability and sustainable finance throughout ING’s Singapore and APAC operations.
- Work closely with the front office colleagues to originate transactions and to upskill and empower them to spot sustainable finance opportunities early and take more ownership of the consequent deals.

What we're looking for:

- At least 4 years of experience in corporate client-facing role, ideally in sustainable financing, but if not, then experience across advisory and/or consulting and banking.
- A proven track record in sustainable finance / corporate ESG integration, with a working knowledge of corporate banking products (loans, bonds, financial derivatives, advisory, etc.).
- Quick learner with an adaptable mindset.
- Detail oriented and analytical.
- Self-starter with high level of motivation. Passionate that a sustainable change and impact is needed and is willing to be a trailblazer to ‘take it on and make it happen’.
- Effective and demonstrated team player, helping others to succeed.
- Ability to effectively multi-task and thrive well in a dynamic environment.
- Strong presentation and communication skills with outstanding relationship building capabilities.
- Graduate or post-graduate degree holder in Business/Finance and / or sustainability related academic background or other relevant disciplines.
- Fluent in English (verbal and written).